Graphic Design Contract

Date: [DATE]
Between [NAME] at [COMPANY NAME] and [CLIENT NAME] at [CLIENT
COMPANY].

The clear majority of design projects run smoothly, without any problems. However,
from time to time, something does come up, and it's important that we both
understand how best to deal with it. This contract is designed to ensure that we're both
protected from any unexpected circumstances. It also lays out the basic groundwork
for how the project will progress, and what's expected of us both. In the interests of
saving a lot of headaches, this document contains the strict minimum of legal jargon
required to still be legally enforceable.
So, in short;
You, [CLIENT NAME], located at [CLIENT ADDRESS], are hiring me,
[COMPANY NAME], located at [ADDRESS], to design and develop a brand for the
estimated total price of [TOTAL] as outlined in our previous correspondence and in
estimate number [ESTIMATE NUMBER].
What do both parties agree to do?
You: You have the authority to enter this contract on behalf of yourself, your
company or your organization. You agree to provide me with everything that I need to
complete the project including text, images and other information as and when I need
it, and in the format that I ask for. You’ll review my work and provide feedback and
approval in a timely manner. Deadlines work two ways, so you’ll also be bound by
any dates we set together. You also agree to stick to the payment schedule set out at
the end of this contract.
Me: I have the experience and ability to perform the services you need from me and I
will carry them out in a professional and timely manner. Along the way, I will
endeavor to meet all the deadlines set but I can't be responsible for a missed launch
date or a deadline if you have been late in supplying materials or have not approved or
signed off my work on-time at any stage. On top of this I will also maintain the
confidentiality of any information that you give me.
Getting down to the nitty gritty
Design
This contract allows for two to four initial mockups, developed to one main design,
plus the opportunity for you to make up to five rounds of revisions, for each graphic
element listed in the estimate. If, at any stage, you’re not happy with the direction the
work is taking, you’ll pay me in full for everything I’ve produced until that point and
cancel this contract.

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Text content
I'm not responsible for writing or editing any text copy unless specified in the original
estimate. If you’d like me to write additional content or edit text for you, I can provide
a separate estimate for that.
Photographs
You should supply graphic files in an editable, vector digital format. You should
supply photographs in a high resolution digital format. If you choose to buy stock
photographs, I can suggest stock libraries. If you’d like me to search for photographs
for you, I can provide a separate estimate for that.
Changes and revisions
This contract is fixed-price, however, sometimes things change throughout the scope
of a project. I don’t want to limit your ability to change your mind. If you want to
change your mind or add anything new, that won’t be a problem. Any additional fees
will be confirmed in writing prior to doing the work.
Legal stuff
I can’t guarantee that my work will be error-free and so I can’t be liable to you or any
third-party for damages, including lost profits, lost savings or other incidental,
consequential or special damages, even if you’ve advised me of them. Finally, if any
provision of this contract shall be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable,
then that provision shall be deemed severable from this contract and shall not affect
the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions.
Copyrights
First, you guarantee that all elements of text, graphics, photos, designs, trademarks, or
other artwork you provide are either owned by your good selves, or that you’ve
permission to use them.
Then, when your final payment has cleared, copyright will be automatically assigned
as follows:
You’ll own the visual elements that I create for this project. I’ll give you source files
and finished files and you should keep them somewhere safe as I'm not required to
keep a copy. You own all elements of text, images and data you provided, unless
someone else owns them.
I’ll own the unique combination of these elements that constitutes a complete design
and I’ll license that you, exclusively and in perpetuity for this project only, unless we
agree otherwise. This basically just means that you can't take the design I made for
you and sell it to another company, but otherwise won't impact you.
I love to show off my work and share what I’ve learned with other people, so I reserve
the right, with your permission, to display and link to your project as part of my
portfolio and to write about it on websites, in magazine articles, and in books.

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Payments
I'm sure you understand how important it is as a small business that you pay the
invoices that I send you promptly. You agree to stick to the following payment
schedule:
50% of total estimated upon agreement of initial design: $Deposit Fee
Remainder of fee payable not more than 30 days after receipt of finished product
and invoice: $Remainder of Fee
Interest accrued if payment is more than 30 days late is 5% of outstanding amount to
be added every 7 days, starting from 31st day after receipt of finished product.
You can’t transfer this contract to anyone else without my permission. This contract
stays in place and need not be renewed. If for some reason one part of this contract
becomes invalid or unenforceable, the remaining parts of it remain in place.
Although the language is simple, the intentions are serious and this contract is a legal
document.

Signature
Signed by and on behalf of [COMPANY NAME]
Signed by and on behalf of [CLIENT NAME]
Date [DATE]
Everyone should sign above and keep a copy for their records.

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